Tensions are boiling over in the Golden State, and autonomous vehicles are caught in the crossfire. Waymo, the self-driving tech darling, is hitting pause on services in San Francisco and Los Angeles after a weekend of seriously heated protests against ICE activities.

When Tech Meets Protest

Imagine autonomous vehicles becoming unexpected casualties in a political showdown. On Sunday, masked protesters spraypainted and even set Waymo cars ablaze in both cities, transforming high-tech transportation into unexpected protest canvases. At least five vehicles in LA went up in flames, while San Francisco saw similar vandalism targeting these robotic taxis.

The Political Backdrop

The drama unfolded against a backdrop of intense anti-ICE demonstrations, with protests planned at key locations like Civic Center and 24th and Mission streets. Sixty people, including minors, were arrested following a protest outside an ICE field office, highlighting the raw emotions driving these demonstrations.

A Tech Company’s Response

Waymo claims their vehicles weren’t intentionally targeted, just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. With each autonomous Jaguar estimated to cost between $150,000 and $200,000, these aren’t just cars – they’re rolling investments going up in smoke.

Governor Gavin Newsom has spoken out, calling for arrests of those engaging in vandalism while simultaneously pushing back against unsolicited National Guard intervention. Just another day in the Bay Area’s complex political landscape.